golden women's show • event photography

The Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce hosted an event just for the ladies this weekend. A local trade show, showcasing any and all sorts of businesses that offer products and services for women. Many of the business owners in attendance were women as well, so the event carried a sense of 'for women by women'. It also demonstrated how strong the small business community in Golden really is.

The popular Farmer's Market was happening under the same roof, and I think a lot of local residents got excited about the weekly display of local goods that will be coming again this summer.

Below are a few of the photos I shot for Ruth at the Chamber. She did an incredible job of organizing an event that went off without a hitch.

Caleb View Farm just south of Golden in the Columbia Valley is a testimony to a back to the earth lifestyle. Ralph and Lynda Kirchhofer came to British Columbia to grow wholesome food and spread the word of gospel. Their farm serves as somewhat of a community hang-out, a truck stop (with a great cup of joe), and a spiritual center. The bread that they offer at every Farmer's Market though the summer is made of wheat grown and ground on their land. And the berry preserves are unbeatable. www.calebview.com

I think the fattest raspberries I've ever seen came from Caleb View Farm. Any of the ones that didn't get snapped up at the Farmer's Market ended up in a little jar of heaven, mmm.

Sculpted wire jewelry from Radiant Girl, a small business endeavor by artist Donnah Christian.

Duane Amundrud has an incredible green thumb. He is another Golden Farmer's Market regular, and his booth is one of my favorites to explore. All of the funky little succulents remind me of my mother's collection of desert plants, a familiar site from childhood.

Melanie Rowland of Rowland's Glass Art had her beautiful array of colorful glass out for the show. She makes brilliant penants, bracelets, dishes, and wall art, among other things. Busy girl.  www.rowlandsglassart.com

There are a few great soap crafters in the area. Two that caught my eye were Apple Island Naturals (www.appleisland.ca) and Willowbank Soap Company. And they smell so good.

There were a few young entrepreneurs there too. Like this little cardmaker, Arizona Lowe.